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This chapter addresses the different stages of spectrum allocation in India, including the recently concluded third-generation and broadband wireless spectrum. Auctioning scarce spectrum, de-linking licence from spectrum, stricter criteria for allocation of spectrum and introduction of third-generation and broadband wireless access are the four stages of management of spectrum in the country. Subscriber-based Criterion (SBC) methodology for additional spectrum allocation should be dispensed with and a market-oriented approach to spectrum allocation such as auction should be instituted....

This chapter addresses the different stages of spectrum allocation in India, including the recently concluded third-generation and broadband wireless spectrum. Auctioning scarce spectrum, de-linking licence from spectrum, stricter criteria for allocation of spectrum and introduction of third-generation and broadband wireless access are the four stages of management of spectrum in the country. Subscriber-based Criterion (SBC) methodology for additional spectrum allocation should be dispensed with and a market-oriented approach to spectrum allocation such as auction should be instituted. Uniformity of annual spectrum charges across all frequency bands and technologies would facilitate change of use and effective use of allocated spectrum. The Unified Access Service (UAS) allows the licensee to provide access services using non-spectrum-related technologies such as wire-line service as well. The introduction of trading/sharing/mergers needs to be accompanied by several policy measures designed to allow the process of consolidation to take place in an equitable, efficient, and transparent manner.